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Data analytics will be used to match entrepreneurs at a speed-dating style networking event in South Australia this month.

Icebreaker18 is a speed-networking event hosted by Flinders University’s New Venture Institute (NVI) at the Tonsley Innovation District.

It is part of the opening night of SouthStart 2018, a two-day startup conference showcasing South Australia’s leading entrepreneurs to a national and international audience of investors.

The inaugural 2016 Icebreaker attracted more than 1200 participants who each went on 22 ‘speed dates’ across the three-hour event.

Icebreaker18 will be held on November 21 and will utilise data analytics powered by SpiralData to match like-minded individuals based on survey information provided as part of the event registration.

NVI Director Matt Salier said the new data technology will delve deeper into creating rich, uniquely tailored connections for participants.

“Our data-charged IceBreaker18 is part of this journey to inspire, educate and connect even more people and businesses,” said Salier.

NVI Deputy Director Enterprise Kathryn Anderson said Icebreaker16 had an estimated $2.9 million of forward value for South Australia, according to the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute.

“We are aiming to beat that result this year,” she said.

The speed-networking event will be followed by the two-day SouthStart program, which will include guest speakers and networking events.

SouthStart Event Director Craig Swann said the event would highlight the innovation capabilities of South Australia, attracting international and interstate investment.

“Anyone that is thinking of starting a business or scaling up a business, this is the place to be to connect with your peers,” Swann said.

“SouthStart is a two day exploration of everything startup and technology. It’s really bringing together the wonderful minds that are here in South Australia with an international and national collection of people.”

The 2018 program includes more than 30 speakers, with a curated line up of entrepreneurs featuring Canva’s Cameron Adams, astronaut Pamela Melroy, Rising Sun’s Tony Clark and fashion designer Paul Vasileff. The theme of the event is ‘Frontiers of the Future’, with a focus on artificial intelligence, space technology and future mobility.

Nova System’s founder Jim Whalley, the newly appointed Chief Entrepreneur for South Australia, said SouthStart was an opportunity to evoke inspiration within the entrepreneurial community.

“SouthStart is a really important part of our strategy for increasing entrepreneurship in the state,” he said.

“We hope to reinvigorate that environment and help get not only entrepreneurs but also investors together in one place where they can share stories and lessons.

“SouthStart is about inspiring, equipping, enabling and celebrating entrepreneurship and making it a fundamental part of our state’s economy.”